Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Mirror

A bathroom without a mirror? Practically unheard of. It’s one of those things we take for granted, until it’s time to choose one. Then suddenly, you're neck-deep in decisions: Should it be backlit? Should it have storage?

Round, square, oval, or something quirky? Frame or no frame? And that's before you even get into where it should go.

Welcome to the wonderfully specific world of choosing a bathroom mirror, where function meets flair, and your reflection gets the treatment it truly deserves.

So, how do you go about finding the one? Not just any old mirror, but the kind that enhances your space, fits your lifestyle, and maybe even makes you feel just a little more fabulous first thing in the morning? Let’s figure it out, step by step, no fluff, no overthinking.

Start with the Practical Stuff (Yes, Before the Aesthetic)

Okay, before we talk shapes, lighting, and style, let's get the less exciting but absolutely essential stuff out of the way. Because honestly, nothing ruins a beautiful mirror moment like a setup that doesn't work.

Size matters. Don’t guess, measure! Measure the wall space where the mirror will go, the width of the vanity below it, and the distance to the ceiling or any sconces. As a general rule, your mirror should be slightly narrower than a typical vanity unit. Too small, and it looks awkward. Too big, and you’ll have a design that overpowers the room (and not in a cool, dramatic way).

Height counts too. A common mistake? Hanging a mirror too low or too high. Ideally, you want the top of the mirror to hit just a few inches above the tallest user’s eye level, and the bottom to sit just above your tap or backsplash.

And lighting? Don’t overlook it. Mirrors without proper lighting are like cakes without frosting. Technically fine, but missing something essential. You want even, shadow-free light. If you don’t have wall lights, consider an illuminated mirror with built-in LEDs. And if you do have wall lights, make sure your mirror fits comfortably between them.

So Many Styles, But Which One Fits Your Bathroom?

Let’s be real: picking a mirror is a little like dating. You want one that fits you, works with your quirks, and doesn’t throw off your entire vibe. That’s why choosing a bathroom mirror should take your existing aesthetic into account, not just what’s trending.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Frameless mirrors: Sleek, modern, and unfussy. Great for minimal bathrooms where clean lines are the goal.
Framed mirrors: These add warmth and structure. A matte black frame can give an industrial edge, while wood warms up white tile.
Round mirrors: Soft and friendly. They break up the usual grid-like layout of tiles and cabinetry.
Asymmetrical or quirky shapes: These work well in bold or eclectic bathrooms, but they demand space to shine.

Got a classic or period-style bathroom? Ornate or vintage-inspired frames can elevate that look. Prefer a spa-like retreat? Try a soft, rounded edge in a calming neutral. Don’t overthink it; even your plain, average standard mirror designs should do the job. Just ask yourself if you’d want to see that mirror every single morning before coffee. If the answer’s no, skip it.

Built-In Storage: Helpful or Just a Hassle?

Some mirrors do more than reflect, they store, too. Mirrored cabinets, especially recessed ones, can hide away everything from moisturisers to meds without cluttering up your surfaces.

That said, they come with pros and cons:

The upside?

More storage without taking up extra space.
Perfect for small bathrooms or shared setups.
Keeps your counters looking clean (and Instagrammable, if that’s your thing).

The downside?

They’re deeper than flat mirrors, which may not work in tight spaces.
You’ll need a professional if it’s recessed.
Hinges can wear out over time if the quality isn’t there.

Still, if your bathroom lacks a vanity with drawers, or if you’re always losing tweezers and toothpaste caps, a mirrored cabinet can be a game-changer.

Should You Go Smart? Let’s Talk Techy Features

Advanced bathroom mirrors have officially entered the 21st century. And while some of the features can feel a little “Jetsons meets Pinterest,” others are genuinely practical.

Consider:

Heated demister pads: No more fogged-up glass after a hot shower.
LED touch lighting: Clean, energy-efficient light with no clunky switches.
Bluetooth speakers: For podcasting during your skincare routine, or singing in the shower, we’re not judging.
Magnifying inserts: Magnifying mirrors are excellent if you do detailed grooming or makeup work.

But here’s the trick: don’t get seduced by features you won’t use. A Bluetooth-enabled mirror sounds cool, but if you never play music in the bathroom, it’s just an overpriced speaker you’ll forget exists.

Mounting 101: It’s Not Just “Stick It Up and Hope”

Mirror installation is a bit of a dark art, especially if you’re dealing with tiled walls or want a wired-in lighting unit. Some things to keep in mind:

Weight matters. A heavy mirror needs proper wall fixings, especially if your wall is hollow or your tiles are brittle.
Height consistency. In shared bathrooms, try to center it so that it works for everyone, not just the tallest person in the house.
Get help. Seriously. Mirrors are awkward to hang alone. One wrong move and you’re not just looking at cracked glass, you’re looking at a cracked floor tile too.

If your mirror has lighting or heating, you’ll need an electrician to install it safely. Yes, it’s an extra step, but worth it if it means fewer headaches later.

Mirror + Vanity = Match Made in Bathroom Heaven

Let’s zoom out for a second. Your mirror doesn’t live in isolation. It’s part of the larger bathroom picture, and one of its most important relationships is with your vanity.

A few pairing ideas:

A floating vanity looks great with a large frameless mirror or one with built-in LEDs. Think modern hotel bathroom vibes.
A shaker-style vanity pairs well with a framed mirror, especially in wood or muted metallic finishes.
Got a statement sink or bold splashback tile? Keep your mirror simple to avoid visual overload.

This is also where scale comes back into play. The mirror shouldn’t look like an afterthought, or like it’s eating the wall. Aim for balance, and don’t be afraid to mock it up with painter’s tape to visualise dimensions.

Small Bathroom? Use the Mirror to Fake Space

If you’re working with a tight footprint, the right mirror can change everything. No, it won’t magically make your bathroom bigger, but it can make it feel brighter, airier, and more open.

Tips for that illusion:

Use large, frameless mirrors to reflect light and space.
Mount your mirror higher to give the illusion of taller ceilings.
Double mirrors over twin basins? Elegant, sure, but one big mirror can feel more open.

And here's a cheeky bonus: if you’re dealing with a dark corner or awkward layout, a well-placed mirror can bounce natural light where it was missing before.

Just be mindful of what it reflects, because you don’t want to double-up on the sight of a laundry basket or the toilet roll stash.

Don't Forget Your Mirror Is an Experience

Yes, it’s functional. But it’s also the place where you check your face before a big date. Where you talk to yourself before a job interview? Where your kids watch their hairdo take shape before school. Do you need a small mirror just for shaving? It’s personal.

So while choosing a bathroom mirror is partly a technical decision, it’s also emotional. Go with one that feels right, one that you’ll still like after the novelty wears off.

It doesn’t need to be expensive. It doesn’t need to be dramatic. It just needs to work—practically, visually, emotionally.

Reflection with Intention: Tap 'n Shower’s Mirror Magic

Here’s the thing: mirrors can be purely practical, or they can be something more. When done right, they’re a design feature, a light enhancer, and a quiet confidence boost rolled into one. That’s why choosing a bathroom mirror should feel intentional, not rushed, not random.

And if you’re ready to skip the guesswork and go straight to options that blend beauty with functionality, Tap 'n Shower has a curated selection that brings clarity to the chaos.

Whether you're building a sleek new ensuite or just trying to spruce up a tired cloakroom, you’ll find mirrors that reflect more than just your face, they reflect great taste.

In addition to mirrors, we offer everything you need to outfit your bathroom: from a wide range of furniture to showers, taps, and more. You'll also find kitchen elements and fixtures, as well as heating and ventilation products to complete your home.